Ward staff fear risk of patient

Gold Coast University Hospital mental health workers are “beside themselves” after learning a Covid-positive patient was treated in a ward for days without staff being informed.

A concerned insider alleged senior management of GCUH’S Malaeluca Unit allegedly failed to enact Covidmanagement plans despite knowing about it. The insider claimed the team – with less than half its usual roster – were only told three days later.

But a Gold Coast Health spokeswoman said the hospital and its management were well-equipped to handle the situation, with preparations for such scenarios starting two years ago.

The city’s medical experts have highlighted hospital staff woes as Covid unfolded but remained adamant those needing urgent treatment would be seen quickly.

“The patient has been in the ward for a while now and all staff are potentially infected,” the source alleged, claiming staff were only told about the case days later.

“The patient has been placed in the ward for three days now and management are just now talking about moving him to a Covid ward which they should have done in the first place.”

“Staff are beside themselves,” they said.

The Bulletin asked Gold Coast Health if an overflowing Covid ward forced the positive man to stay in Melaleuca’s unit, at risk to staff.

A spokeswoman said appropriate measures were taken to ensure patients were triaged: “While we have designated wards to care for Covid patients, patients are admitted to and cared for in the most appropriate ward according to their individual needs. There are processes in place to manage Covid patients in whichever ward is deemed most suitable.